Celebrating Our Rivers in Action: Earth Day Cleanup & River Safety Fair Recap
At Flathead Rivers Alliance, Earth Day isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement. This year, that movement came to life over two powerful, back-to-back days of stewardship, education, and community connection along our rivers.
April 25: Earth Day River Access Cleanup
This year’s Earth Day River Access Cleanup was a powerful reminder of what community stewardship looks like in action and we were thrilled to see this event completely max out with 18 volunteers and 3 dedicated trip leaders stepping up to give back.
In partnership with Wild Montana, volunteers spread out across key access points along the three forks of the Flathead River and the Mainstem, working at House of Mystery, Hungry Horse, and Blankenship sites to prepare these spaces for the busy season ahead.
Each spring, this effort helps remove trash left behind and protects the health of the river corridor before runoff begins. The impact was immediate and tangible: cleaner access sites, healthier riparian areas, and a stronger sense of shared responsibility for these places we all love.
Beyond the bags of trash collected, this event is about something bigger, it’s showing up for the river, for each other, and for the long-term protection of one of the most intact wild river systems in the country.
April 26: Inaugural River Safety Fair
The momentum continued the very next day with our inaugural River Safety Fair co-hosted with Montana Kayak Academy and the response was incredible—over 100 participants came out to learn, connect, and prepare for the river season ahead.
Hosted in partnership with Montana Kayak Academy at Sacred Waters Brewing Company, this event marked an exciting evolution in how we bring river safety education to the community.
Participants engaged in hands-on, interactive learning designed to prepare them for the realities of spring river conditions: cold, fast, and unpredictable water. From practicing rescue techniques to learning how to read river features and properly rig gear, attendees connected directly with river professionals, outfitters, and safety experts.
We also gave away 20 NRS Standard Rescue Throw Bags, made possible through a Roundup for Safety Grant from Flathead Electric Cooperative, helping equip community members with essential tools they can carry onto the water this season.
What stood out most wasn’t just the turnout, it was the energy. Beginners, experienced boaters, and river-curious community members all learning side-by-side. This is exactly the kind of culture we’re working to build: informed, prepared, and connected river users.
Safe rivers start with educated communities and this event is just the beginning.
Training Partners
Thanks to generous funding support from Flathead Electric Cooperative, Whitefish Community Foundation Great Fish Community Challenge, Flathead RAC, and Glacier Raft Co Promise to Place program, along with venue support from Sacred Waters Brewing, this event is free and open to the public of all ages.
Why These Events Matter
Together, these two days reflect the heart of our mission:
Stewardship in action through the Cleanup
Education and preparedness through the Safety Fair
One focuses on the places. The other focuses on the people. Both are essential to protecting the Flathead River system.
As we head into peak river season, we’re deeply grateful to everyone who showed up, pitched in, and continues to support this work. These events are only possible because of a community that cares—and takes action.
Stay Connected
If you missed these events, there’s more ahead. From our Rivers Rundown Speaker Series to upcoming community opportunities, we invite you to stay involved and be part of what’s next.
Because when we care for our rivers together, we ensure they remain wild, accessible, and thriving for generations to come.